Cold And Flu Medication

Winter - the cold, flu, and don't you just hate it runny nose season. According to the Canadian Pediatric Society, children in large group settings are likely to average 10 colds per year.

Those colds are the result of close contact with infected children who have innocently left their secretions an toy and other play objects, or by healthy children inhaling droplets from the constant flow of sneeze and coughs. And with over 100 different respiratory viruses lurking in the shadows, and the fact that children have not build up an immunity to these viruses, it is little wonder that for the first five years of a child's life winter seems like an unmitigated treasure-trove for colds.

Giving Medication

The Canadian Pediatric Society, in their "information for sharing" sheet, A Parents Guide To Colds And Flu In Children, recommends, " For the relief of pain, aches or fever greater than 38.5 c, acetaminophen (Tylenol, Tempra, Panadol, other) is preferred. Asprin (acetylsalicylicacid) or any medication containing it should be avoided in children and teenagers because it can lead to brain and liver damage (Reye Syndrome)."

When it come to a child care provider administering any type of medication, parents must be certain they give explicit instructions as to the times and quantities to be given. For this purpose most centers and licensed day homes have special medication slips which are filled out by the parent whenever medication is involved in the care.

If this is not the case, a parent should complete a form like the following, and give it to the provider. Parents may also want to show the provider exactly how they measure the medicine, leaving little chance for mishaps.